Estofado (Beef Stew)

January 22, 2012

My earliest experience of entertaining  started as a newlywed in our first home (well, more like a cottage) in La Canada, Ca.   Terri and Bill Stampley, great friends from college and newly married as well, lived less than a mile away. We were all immersed in our respective budding careers, brimming with enthusiasm and sky-is-the-limit confidence.  We began […]

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Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

January 13, 2012

Things have bit a stressful lately and I have been craving Mexican food for comfort. I found this delicious recipe on the blog- Sweet Treats and More. It was spicy and yummy and easy to make. Notes: I used an Organic Rotisserie Chicken to save time and added a few handfuls of chopped green olives because […]

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2012

January 5, 2012

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Happy (belated) New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. And, if it wasn’t so wonderful, I hope that there were moments of peace and beauty that helped get you through. Here is a little inspiration for 2012. I hope that we all evolve, heal, help, and eat fabulous food this year! We […]

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Yucatan Chicken Lime Soup

December 30, 2011

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This recipe was printed in the LA Times as a cure for the common cold; full of Vitamin “C”, sinus expanding spices, and chicken broth. More importantly, it is absolutely delicious, with bright clear flavors. Cousin Diana Brown sent this to us, and I knew it would be good….she is one of the most amazing […]

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“In Memoriam” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

December 23, 2011

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This is an excerpt  from Verse XXX of this famous poem, dealing with the first Christmas after the death in 1833 of Arthur Hallam, aged 22; who was the best friend of this remarkable poet, and engaged to be married to his sister. May beautiful moments and happy memories surround you and your family this holiday season! All Love […]

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Christmas Cherry Cookies

December 21, 2011

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My friend from graduate school, Ellen Solorzano, sent us this incredible cookie recipe. Ellen is a fabulous baker and makes hundreds of cookies to give away to friends and family during the holidays each year. Here is the beautiful message she included with her recipe. “When I was 4 I lost both my parents in […]

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Pecan Balls

December 19, 2011

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This tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie is one of my all time favorites. You find these everywhere at holiday time, although I’ve also heard them called Mexican wedding cookies.  Easy to make, rich and delicious! 1 cup (1/2 lb.) butter, room temperature 2 cups powdered sugar, divided 2 tsps. vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. baking powder […]

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Miniature Cheesecakes

December 14, 2011

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It’s always wonderful when an old friend crosses your path again later in life. That happened recently with Lois Vodhanel, who has been keeping an eye out for a great recipe for us ever since.  This is courtesy of her daughter, Lauren Verbanic, and it will be a star on your dessert buffet. Thank you both, Ladies! 1  cup […]

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Special Salmon

December 11, 2011

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This is Ryan’s favorite dinner. He requested it during his first jury trial as a young Attorney. He was stressed, excited, tired and looking for comfort when he came home each night. He won, btw! This recipe was inspired by Giada’s Baked Salmon in Foil recipe. I’ve made this dish about a hundred times and […]

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Pork Chops with Cranberry, Port and Rosemary Sauce

November 30, 2011

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This is an old recipe from Bon Appetit that is rich and delicious but also easy and inexpensive.  I often make it with a pork tenderloin sliced into medallions, which means it’s ready even quicker.  The recipe suggests spooning the sauce over the pork, but I like to add the pork back into the pan and simmer it together […]

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